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$280 Million residential and retail showpiece complements Frank Gehry’s masterpiece

Chinatown will boast two of Sydney’s most architecturally acclaimed buildings – Frank Gehry’s avant-garde creation for the UTS BusinessSchooland, across the road, a bold $280-Million residential and retail edifice called The Quay.   

The design by WMK Architecture was selected by a panel of experts and granted 10% ‘bonus’ floorspace by the City Of Sydney Council because of its environmental initiatives, design excellence and clever response to re-activating the public spaces.

The Quay will have two sleek metallic towers – one 17-levels and the other 16-storeys – each with a bejeweled private foyer befitting a six-star hotel. It is at61-79 Quay Street, diagonally opposite Gehry’s much-anticipated Dr Chau Chak Wing Building.

Both developments should be completed by early-2014.

The Quay showcases contemporary symmetry and a purity of line, with most of the apartments orientated to the north to gain direct sunlight, and some enjoying water views ofDarlingHarbour.

Architects WMK describe the complex as “an urban resort”, with a communal north-facing terrace garden connecting the two towers, and a large indoor-outdoor gymnasium.

“We introduced elements previously only seen in prestigious hotels which gives The Quay an unique architectural point of difference over other residential developments,” saidGreg Barnett, Managing Director of WMK Architecture.

“The geometric glass, aluminum and louvre facades embrace strong vertical and horizontal planes, and the subtly different architectural expression of each tower reflects the diversity of the inner city Haymarket precinct. You could say the buildings have different personalities within a common language.”

TheQuay Streetsite has had a chequered history. From 1912 to the 1950s it was the thriving poultry section of Paddy’s Market before the warehouse was turned into a retail outlet. The building burnt down in 1985, but luckily a corner section of the facade was saved and preserved, albeit propped-up by steel supports.

This remnant warehouse facade on Quay Streetand Ultimo Roadwill be sympathetically incorporated into The Quay, helping to provide an historical context at street level.

The Quay will have 270 apartments, ranging from one to three-bedrooms, rising majestically above two retail levels comprising shops, service providers and a major supermarket. Four underground levels will provide parking for 272 cars and dozens of push bikes.

Apartments at The Quay will be larger than traditional CBD units and enjoy natural cross-flow ventilation. All the two and three-bedroom suites, plus some of the one-bedrooms, will have car spaces.

“All balconies have floor-to-ceiling operable louvres which will enhance the layered appearance of the facade, enable residents to look out from their living areas atDarlingHarborand the city with added privacy, and creating an indoor-outdoor living space,” Mr Barnett said.

The interiors have been crafted by Smart Design Studio, and set new standards of quality with limestone floors in all living spaces, kitchens, bathrooms and balconies, ‘floating’ joinery, richly-veined marble island benches, chamfered ceilings and LED lighting in most apartments.

“Our concept is ‘life beautifully packaged’, and we’ve taken inspiration from the world of luxury brands,” explainedWilliam Smart. “We’ve foregone the overhead cupboards, white polyurethane joinery and blond timber accents in order to create a special place that is crafted and unique. This concept pursues the idea that things that surround us can create the mood of a space, just like a stage set builds the scene that transports us to another world.”

The result is taut and tailored spaces that have bold geometries and unconventional arrangements.

“Our interiors evoke the qualities of high Art Deco design, where modernism and craftsmanship are coupled, yet are contemporary and not retro,” said Mr Smart. “We’ve created living environments which are distinctive and where people will feel special.”

A choice of two colour schemes plus a range of optional upgrades will help residents create a bespoke feel for their apartment.

Just like the custom-designed interiors, the two foyers at The Quay are unlike anything previously seen in aSydney residential building. Created by specialist hotel design firm CHADA to a six-star standard, they have cavernous spaces, internally-lit panels, bold colours, reflective surfaces, oversized feature lights and comfortable seating areas for guests and residents. From the moment residents enter they will appreciate the extra lengths to which the designers have gone to making them feel at home.

The Quay is also at the forefront of sustainable city living, with plantation-grown timber, eco-friendly building services and a gas heated central hot water system.

Exclusive selling agent CBRE is expecting a diverse range of interest in The Quay from people excited by the prospect of living close to markets, cafes, theatres, boutiques, galleries, museums, bars, designer shops, fashion outlets, colleges, recreational amenities, parks and the harbour.

“This is a never-to-be-repeated opportunity for inner city apartment buyers,” saidDavidMilton, the head of CBRE Residential Projects, which is seeking Registrations of Interest before launching the project on April 21.

“Residents of The Quay will enjoy all the privileges of being in the entertainment heart ofSydney, with world-class facilities at their fingertips and views that should never be built out.

“We’re sure businesspeople and working couples will like the convenience of living in a walk-to-work situation, but if they do need to travel there is light rail and buses virtually outside the front door and Central Railway just across the road.

“This is certainly one location inSydneywhere you can do without a car.”

The Quay display centre, which includes a replica apartment, is adjacent to the site at Level 5, 8 Quay Street. Inspections are by appointment only on 1800 667 321, or through the website: www.thequay.com.au